NCAA Clears Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport For Commercial Operations

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially granted a commercial operational licence to the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ogun State, paving the way for the commencement of commercial activities at the newly built facility.

The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Balang Godwin, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with a news correspondent on Monday.

Godwin explained that the certification authorizes the airport to begin full operations:

“Yes, the licence has been granted, and once that’s done, you can commence operation. Once we issue the certificate, whether for an airline or an aerodrome, operations can begin, just as we have done in Ogun.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the milestone as historic, noting that it was the first time a newly constructed airport in Nigeria had received such certification under the current regulatory framework.

The airport has been issued an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services Category 6 rating. It will operate daytime flights only, from sunrise to sunset, using a non-precision approach for Runway 05/23 and supporting Area Navigation procedures.

Governor Abiodun disclosed that a global logistics firm has already committed to operating two weekly cargo flights between London and the Gateway Airport, while passenger flights will also begin soon with routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt.

“I had a meeting on Sunday with a company that wants to be flying two cargo flights from London to this airport on a weekly basis,” he said. “We will also have passenger flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt at the startup phase.”

The airport has also been designated as an alternate landing site for Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, boosting its strategic importance.

Governor Abiodun expressed optimism that the project would significantly transform trade, investment, and tourism in the state:

“With world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a strategic location, the Gateway International Airport will raise the bar for air travel in Nigeria and serve as a proud symbol of Ogun State’s progress.”